Long Islanders are rallying to support a MacArthur High School sophomore after the sudden death of his mother left him orphaned.
Timothy Hunter, 16, awoke on Friday to find his mother, Rosemary “Ro” Hunter, had died in her sleep. His father, Sean Hunter, an FDNY firefighter, died two years ago.
Ro Hunter, 56, of Levittown was an elementary school teacher in the Carle Place school district. She is remembered as “the kindest soul you could ever meet—radiating warmth, generosity, and unwavering love.” A regular presence at her son’s baseball games, she also encouraged his involvement as a junior firefighter.
A GoFundMe organized by Walter Brown on behalf of Lauriana Vanderbeck is raising money for Timothy’s daily needs, future expenses, and to help provide stability for the 10th grader. Close to 1,000 donations have poured into the fundraiser, totaling $90,000.
Funeral services
Visitation for Ro Hunter was held on Monday, Sept. 15, and continues Tuesday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Thomas A. Glynn & Son Funeral Home, 20 Lincoln Ave. in Rockville Centre. A funeral Mass is scheduled on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 10:30 a.m. at St. James R.C. Church, 80 Hicksville Road in Seaford.
The family has also posted a heartfelt slideshow tribute to Ro.
‘Wonderful’ teacher
The fundraiser, titled “Help Support Timothy After Unimaginable Loss,” can be found here.
“Ms. Hunter was a wonderful teacher for my son. She will be missed,” Colleen Fitzpatrick said in the GoFundMe’s comments section. “My thoughts and prayers are with her son. I pray for his strength to carry on during this difficult time.”
Top photo: GoFundMe
